Turkey Cranberry Sliders

The perfect combination of savory and sweet comes together in these irresistible Turkey Cranberry Sliders. Each bite delivers the juicy tenderness of turkey paired with tangy cranberry sauce, all nestled between soft, buttery rolls. These mini sandwiches transform Thanksgiving leftovers into something extraordinary, but they’re delicious enough to make from scratch any time of year. The contrast of warm, toasty bread against the cool cranberry creates a sensory experience that’s simply unforgettable. You’ll learn how to layer flavors perfectly, achieve the ideal balance of textures, and create a crowd-pleasing appetizer or main dish that disappears within minutes of hitting the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Turkey Cranberry Sliders have become a post-holiday tradition in countless homes for good reason. The combination of tender turkey and sweet-tart cranberry sauce creates a perfect flavor marriage that keeps everyone reaching for seconds. What makes these sliders truly special is their impressive versatility – they’re elegant enough for entertaining yet simple enough for a casual family dinner.

The textural contrast is what elevates these sliders from good to extraordinary. The exterior develops a golden, buttery crispness while the interior remains soft and pillowy. Meanwhile, the turkey stays moist under its blanket of melted cheese, and the cranberry sauce provides a burst of brightness that cuts through the richness perfectly.

Perhaps the most appealing aspect is how these sliders transform leftovers into something entirely new and exciting. Instead of the same reheated Thanksgiving plate, you’ll create a handheld delight that might just become more anticipated than the original feast itself. Even better, they come together in minutes with minimal prep work, making them perfect for busy weeknight dinners or game day gatherings.

Ingredients

For the perfect batch of Turkey Cranberry Sliders, gather these essential ingredients:

• 12 slider buns (1 package Hawaiian sweet rolls), kept connected
• 1 pound (450g) thinly sliced turkey breast (leftover or deli)
• 1 cup (250g) cranberry sauce (homemade or canned)
• 6 slices provolone or Swiss cheese
• 4 tablespoons (56g) butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25g) salt
• 1/4 cup (25g) dried cranberries (optional)

The Hawaiian sweet rolls provide the perfect balance of sweetness against the savory turkey. When choosing your turkey, leftover Thanksgiving turkey works beautifully, but high-quality deli turkey is an excellent year-round option. The cranberry sauce can be either homemade or canned whole berry sauce, though the homemade version adds an extra dimension of flavor with its fresh, bright notes.

Pro Tips

Mastering Turkey Cranberry Sliders comes down to a few critical techniques that elevate them from good to unforgettable:

First, keep the slider buns connected when slicing them horizontally. This crucial step maintains their structure and makes assembly infinitely easier. Using a serrated knife, hold the top of the rolls firmly while cutting through the middle to create one large top and bottom piece rather than separating individual rolls.

Second, layer strategically for optimal texture and flavor. Place cheese directly against both the top and bottom buns to create a moisture barrier that prevents the bread from becoming soggy. The cranberry sauce should be spread thinly and evenly to ensure every bite has the perfect balance of sweet and savory. If using leftover turkey that’s a bit dry, consider a light brushing of chicken broth or gravy on the meat to restore moisture.

Finally, the butter topping is your secret weapon. For maximum flavor infusion, make sure your butter mixture is still warm when brushed over the buns, and allow it to seep into the bread for 1-2 minutes before baking. For an extra-golden, slightly crunchy top, brush the mixture a second time halfway through baking. This creates the perfect contrast to the soft interior and adds another layer of aromatic flavor.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Using a long serrated knife, slice the entire connected package of slider rolls horizontally, keeping all the rolls intact. Place the bottom half in your prepared baking dish.

Step 2: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, dried thyme, and salt. Whisk until fully incorporated and set aside. This flavorful mixture will infuse the Turkey Cranberry Sliders with irresistible savory notes.

Step 3: Layer half of the cheese slices evenly across the bottom half of the rolls. This creates a protective barrier that prevents the bread from becoming soggy from the other ingredients. Make sure the cheese covers the bread completely.

Step 4: Arrange the turkey slices evenly over the cheese layer, slightly overlapping to ensure complete coverage. If using leftover turkey, make sure it’s room temperature or slightly warmed for the best flavor release during baking.

Step 5: Spread the cranberry sauce in an even layer over the turkey. If you’re using a particularly chunky cranberry sauce, you might want to give it a quick pulse in the food processor for easier spreading. Sprinkle the optional dried cranberries over the cranberry sauce for added texture and concentrated flavor bursts.

Step 6: Place the remaining cheese slices over the cranberry layer, then carefully position the top half of the rolls over everything. Press down gently to compact the sliders slightly, helping them hold together when served.

Step 7: Brush the butter mixture generously over the tops and sides of the rolls, allowing it to seep into the crevices. Don’t rush this step—the flavor-infused butter is what gives these Turkey Cranberry Sliders their signature taste and gorgeous golden exterior.

Step 8: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes until the tops are golden brown and crispy. Let the sliders rest for 5 minutes before cutting along the slider lines with a sharp knife and serving warm.

Variations

The classic Turkey Cranberry Sliders recipe serves as a wonderful foundation for creative variations to suit different tastes and dietary needs.

For a delicious twist, try the Turkey Cranberry Brie Sliders by replacing the provolone or Swiss with creamy brie cheese. The brie melts beautifully, creating a luxurious texture that pairs perfectly with the cranberry’s tartness. Add a few sprigs of fresh thyme between layers for an aromatic herbal note that complements the richness.

Looking for a spicy variation? Create Turkey Cranberry Jalapeño Sliders by adding thinly sliced jalapeños or mixing a tablespoon of finely diced jalapeños into the cranberry sauce. This sweet-heat combination adds an exciting dimension to the traditional flavor profile. You can also stir a teaspoon of chipotle powder into the butter mixture for a smoky kick.

For a gluten-free option, substitute the traditional slider rolls with gluten-free dinner rolls. While they may not connect like traditional slider buns, you can still assemble them in the same baking dish and achieve a similar effect. The butter mixture helps bind everything together during baking, creating that signature pull-apart quality even with individual rolls.

Storage and Serving

Turkey Cranberry Sliders are best enjoyed fresh from the oven when the exterior is perfectly crisp and the cheese is still melted and gooey. However, they can be prepared ahead of time and stored properly for convenient reheating.

For make-ahead preparation, assemble the sliders completely but don’t add the butter topping. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, prepare the butter mixture fresh, brush over the sliders, and bake as directed, adding 5-7 extra minutes to the covered baking time.

Leftover sliders will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. To reheat, wrap in foil and warm in a 325°F (165°C) oven for 10-12 minutes. For a quicker option, microwave individual sliders for 30 seconds, though this won’t restore the crispy exterior.

Serve these sliders alongside a light arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For a heartier spread, pair with sweet potato fries or a warm bowl of butternut squash soup. They also make excellent additions to a brunch menu alongside fresh fruit and mimosas for an unexpected but delightful combination.

FAQs

Can I use other meats instead of turkey in these sliders?
Absolutely! Ham works beautifully in these Turkey Cranberry Sliders, especially with the cranberry sauce. You could also use chicken, roast beef, or even a vegetarian option like thinly sliced seitan or thick-cut portobello mushrooms marinated in balsamic vinegar.

How do I prevent my sliders from getting soggy?
The cheese layers act as a barrier between the bread and moist ingredients. Make sure to place cheese directly against both the top and bottom buns. Additionally, don’t use too much cranberry sauce, and if your sauce is particularly watery, strain it slightly before spreading.

Can I make these sliders in advance for a party?
Yes! Assemble the sliders up to 24 hours ahead, but wait to add the butter mixture until just before baking. Keep the assembled sliders covered in the refrigerator, then brush with the butter mixture and bake when ready to serve.

What’s the best way to slice the connected rolls without separating them?
Use a long serrated knife and a gentle sawing motion. Hold the top of the rolls firmly with your palm, keeping it level while cutting horizontally through the middle. Take your time to ensure you maintain an even thickness.

Can I freeze these sliders?
Yes, you can freeze assembled but unbaked sliders for up to 1 month. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, add the freshly made butter mixture, and bake as directed, adding 5-10 minutes to the covered baking time.

Print